�The Bible tells us that the Messiah would be born into a poor family and Mary and Joseph were obviously poor. Joseph's trade as a carpenter probably provided enough income to sustain their family, but it was in no means the kind of job that one became rich by. We also have other clues as to their monetary status:

When Jesus was first born they were told that there was no room for them at the inn (see ), even though Mary was noticeably pregnant at that time, the innkeeper made no exception. If Joseph were a wealthy man he surely could have purchased a place for them to stay, and a place for his wife to give birth, rather than in a dirty smelly stable. Even in those days "money talked", and bribes were paid for much less important things. But much like today, the poor were shunned and not treated with much dignity.

It was the Jewish custom under the Law of Moses that after the time of purification the parents were to take their firstborn son to the temple to be consecrated to the Lord. They were to offer a sacrifice of a lamb, but because lambs were very expensive there was a provision for the poor to offer a pair of doves or two young pigeons instead (see " " and " "). says that Joseph and Mary offered the pair of doves or the two young pigeons, because they apparently couldn't afford a lamb.

�The prophets also said that there would be a predecessor to the Messiah, one who would come before the Messiah made himself known. This forerunner would prepare the way for the Messiah by bringing people back into faith with God, and teaching them about repentance and redemption from sin. Click 'Next' to learn about the prophecies regarding the Messiah's forerunner.